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Glossary

An index of common Jewish terms, as well as sayings in both Hebrew and Yiddish.
Sukkah - Definition of a Sukkah
A sukkah is a temporary dwelling built during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
What Are the Four Species?
The Four Species play an important role in the holiday of Sukkot, where they take the form of a lulav and an etrog.
What is Midrash?
Midrash is a form of rabbinic literature. There are two types of midrash: midrash aggada and midrash halakha.
What Is the Meaning of Shomer?
What does it mean when someone is shomer kashrut or shomer shabbat?
What Is the Meaning of Shomer?
What does it mean when someone is shomer kashrut or shomer shabbas?
What Is a Mensch?
"Mensch" is a Yiddish word that describes a person of integrity.
What Is a Bracha?
This article explains what a bracha is and also gives examples of different kinds of brachot.
What Is a Mitzvah?
A mitzvah is a commandment from God. Since Judaism is more of an action-based than faith-based religion, performing mitzvot, or God's commandments, is central to leading a Jewish life.
What Is a Cantor?
In Judaism a cantor, also known as a chazzan or hazzan, is the person who leads the congregation in prayer. Cantors play an important role in Jewish religious life because music is an important part of Jewish prayer services.
What Is Challah?
Challah is a loaf of yeast-leavened egg bread that is traditionally eaten by Jews on the Sabbath, holidays, and other ceremonial occasions.
What Is Kiddush?
In Judaism kiddush refers to the ritual of sanctification, with blessings recited over a cup of wine, that is performed at the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath and Jewish festivals. It is traditional to put the wine or grape juice used for the ritual in a decorative kiddush cup.
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